Xander's 1st Birthday Party

Xander had his first birthday party on Saturday June 9th.  He was joined by his family and his extended family (Mama and Dada's best friends) to celebrate.

We had lots of balloons - here are a couple under Xander's birthday banner.  We weighted them down with jars of Xander's favorite baby foods.

We also used baby food jars to hold photos of Xander.  As you made your way through the snack buffet line there were photos from each month of Xander's first year.

Auntie Lynnette and cousin Remi were there.  This was one of the last times we saw them before they moved away - we were so glad they could make it!

When our guests first started to arrive, the guest of honor was still sleeping.  Finally Dada went to wake him up and get him dressed in his special birthday duds.  Here he is making his entrance.

Nana Joyce was there - she couldn't get over how Xander knew to smile for the camera.  "He's such a ham," she said.

Papa was there too with his sister, our Auntie Vi.  Xander was really enjoying all of the love!

Grandma was there too, and she couldn't wait to get her hands on the Xan Man!  He sure loves his Grandma.

Great Grandma Sandy doesn't always hold Xander because she likes to give him his time and space to warm up to the crowds, but here she is holding the little guy.  See, Sandy!  He remembers you!  You can hold him anytime!

Not sure why, but Xander usually has a harder time warming up to Great Grandpa Henry.  We think he senses that Henry's hair is fake and isn't sure how to react...

Grandpa was there too, and despite the look on Xander's face, Xander was so happy to get his Grandpa fix!

Dancing with Mama is always fun too!

And a little hang time before cake time was in order for the special day!

We took a little break from the party to have some family photos taken outside.  Here's a sweet one of the little guy laughing it up on Dada's lap.

Still has super duper cute feeties...

And his Dada's swirl...

Mama's favorite accessory... Xander!

Xander's favorite accessory... Mama's hair!

Family photo op.

Kiss sandwich!

Eliza always knows the best photos to take - we love this one!  Great idea, Eliza!

We were on the fence about giving Xander actual sugary birthday cake.  Mama made a practice baby cake the week before and was planning to make one for the big day too.  When she ran low on time, she and Dada decided to skip the healthy cake and just let Xander let loose and try the chocolate cake we bought for the party.  He played with it for a little bit, and ultimately liked the cake part more than the frosting.  That's fine with us!  He had a great time eating shirtless for sure.

Xander, do you want some more cake?  Yes please!

Cake face!

Mama made a video of Xander's first year and played it for all of our guests that were still at the party.  Everyone decided to stand, maybe the couch had cooties... We were just glad they enjoyed the show!

Pappu and Gigi were there too - somehow they just got their picture taken later on.

After all the guests left we let the kitties out of their room and tried to get some family photos with them.  It's hard enough to get three people to look at the camera and smile, but it's almost impossible to get three humans and two cats to cooperate at the same time.

We sure love our little guy and even though we know he won't remember this party first hand, we know he had a good time and that's all that matters.  We love you, Xander!